AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt Reviews

I tried the Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt and ended up returning for two reasons.  The first one I received was defective and only produced sound from one channel.  I purchased from Crutchfield and they help me confirm it was an AQ issue and nothing on my side.  I know quality issues can happen, but this put me off right away. 

When I finally got a working unit I found the AQ Cobalt doesn't justify the $299 price tag.  It is a good sounding DAC, but with so many portable options these days, you can find other DACs that sound as good for cheaper.  In my case I actually went with a portable DAC & Headphone amp that to me was better given how the little extra power from the Amp opens the headphones up and the DAC quality was similar and I saved some money.  

Incredible is the Cobalt.  I use it as a quick desktop unit.  I use the iFi iPurifier 3 with it and it takes it to the next level.